Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services (GEMS)

The third edition of Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services is authored by experts in the field and endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). It provides comprehensive and updated information on geriatric care, including communication, assessment, trauma, respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies, medication toxicity, elder abuse, and COVID-19 considerations. The book engages EMS personnel in the complexities of geriatric care and prepares them with the updated guidance they need to successfully assess and care for their older patients.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc

The population of Americans aged 65 and over is significant, accounting for 15% of the total population. However, they make up nearly 40% of ambulance transports, a statistic that is not surprising given the prevalence of chronic conditions, multiple diseases, and polypharmacy issues among this age group. Despite the expertise of EMS practitioners in the field, research indicates that geriatric trauma patients are often undertreated when it comes to receiving care at trauma centers.

High-quality geriatric-specific education can play a crucial role in addressing this issue. By gaining a deeper understanding of how the body ages, how multiple medications can create or exacerbate emergencies, how certain communication techniques can improve assessments, and more, EMS professionals can provide older patients in their communities with better emergency care and an improved quality of life.

The third edition of Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services, authored by experts in the field and endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), is a comprehensive resource that addresses the National EMS Education Standards in 15 chapters. The book covers a wide range of topics, including communication, assessment, trauma, respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies, medication toxicity, elder abuse, and much more.

One of the key strengths of this edition is its new guidance on conducting comprehensive geriatric assessments. EMS practitioners can learn how to evaluate older patients' physical and mental health status, identify potential risks, and develop appropriate care plans. This information is essential for ensuring that older patients receive the right care at the right time, reducing the risk of complications and improving their overall outcomes.

Another valuable aspect of the book is its education on how to correctly triage older patients and transport them to the appropriate level of care. With the aging population, there is a growing need for specialized transportation services that can accommodate the unique needs of older patients. The third edition provides detailed information on how to assess the needs of older patients, determine the appropriate mode of transportation, and ensure that they receive the care they need during transport.

In addition to these updates, the third edition of Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services includes new updates to medications and dosages throughout the book. The inclusion of COVID-19 considerations is particularly important, as older adults are at a higher risk of severe complications from the virus. EMS professionals can learn how to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19, implement appropriate precautions, and provide care to patients who have been infected.

Overall, the third edition of Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services provides even greater value to EMS practitioners. It offers comprehensive and up-to-date information on geriatric care, enabling them to provide better emergency care to older patients and improve their overall quality of life. With its expert authorship, review by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), and endorsement by NAEMT, this book is a valuable resource for anyone working in the field of emergency medicine.

Weight: 595g
ISBN-13: 9781284280159
Edition number: 3 ed